It may not occur to children to choose to create art at home if they aren't routinely provided with the opportunity. With a gentle nudge from you and some structure in place, they may readily establish a creative routine!
The gentle nudge- Your interest in their art is a huge motivator. Let your student know that you would love for them to start creating art at home to help liven up the space. Let them know that you designated an artmaking space just for them and that you gathered materials for their use that should stay in that space. Set aside a space to display the art they create- yes, the fridge is spectacular, and this frame holds up to 150 drawings as it displays one, so you can keep the "greatest hits" behind the latest masterpiece!
If they initially say, "no thanks", just keep offering. Beginning a new routine may not happen without some gentle persistence on your end. Keep routinely suggesting it as an option.
Structure artmaking time into the weekly (or daily) schedule- This is easier than it might seem. Just reserve a time that your student will usually be home- for example, a few minutes in the morning as you get ready to leave for the day, in the evening as you prepare dinner, or after dinner as a go-to activity. Sunday evening artmaking can be a wonderful de-stressor for the Sunday Scaries (that anxiety some people feel before starting the new week). Think of times that your student might regularly be engaged in "screen time" (video games, YouTube, etc.) and consider replacing that with some "create time". Remind them at that time that the art supplies are at the ready if they would like to do something creative instead.
Create space for artmaking in your home- We aren't talking a full-on art studio! An artmaking space for your kiddo can look like the dinner table after the plates are cleared, the coffee table, a corner of the bedroom or living room, etc. While a small table & chair is useful, you can also just use a handheld clipboard (or a big hardcover book can serve as a lap-desk). Kids love using the floor too. Provide some simple supplies: loose paper (even scrap paper) or a sketchbook, a pencil or crayons, markers, or colored pencils. (Recyclable cardboard packaging, scissors and masking tape or gluesticks are a 3D artists dream! )A small box, bag, or bin can contain all the supplies and can be tucked away when not in use. If you need help rounding up supplies, just reach out to me, and I'm thrilled to share!
Make art with them! This may feel like a big ask for busy parents who are slightly out of touch with their creative side. Just keep in mind that children tend to model themselves after the examples their caregivers set for them. If you aren't making time to be creative, then making time to be creative will not feel normal to them. If you are hypercritical of your artistic abilities, they too are likely doubt their own innate abilities. If you haven't done this in a while- or ever- I highly encourage you to give it a shot! It doesn't need to take a long time- even 5 minutes is better than none at all. Here are some EASY activities you can do together (but also that your child can do on their own as you guide them).
Learning to sing or play an instrument takes time, focus, and dedication. Our music program exposes students to the elements of music such as rhythm, dynamics, tempo, form, etc. as well as music appreciation, but for your student to develop a strong skill with singing or playing an instrument, outside lessons are necessary. If your student is taking an interest in music, lessons are a very supportive next step. Even with lessons, your interest and encouragement is vital.
We offer a fun, self-paced Recorder Karate program here at MACS. Your involvement would be helping your student establish a regular practice routine at home and encouraging them to keep going. Reach out to me if you are interested! I can even provide the recorder.
Alachua County offers a variety of music-education experiences for youth of all ages. Here is a link to some of what's out there. A simple search of Micanopy child music lessons will turn out some contact info of local music lesson providers.
If you attend a religious service that includes a choir or musical ensemble for children, that would be something to consider as well.
Let me know if your child is taking music lessons or involved in music outside of school, and when I see them I can make a point to ask them how their practice is going, what they are learning, etc. It can be motivating when the adults in a child's life take an interest in what they are pursuing. I'd love to help encourage them to stay on track of their music practice!